Three dimensional mapping of texture in dental enamel

Al-Jawad, M; Simmons, LM; Steuwer, A; Kilcoyne, SH; Shore, RC; Cywinski, R; Wood, DJ

Abstract

We have used synchrotron x-ray diffraction to study the crystal orientation in human
dental enamel as a function of position within intact tooth sections. Keeping tooth sections intact
has allowed us to construct 2D and 3D spatial distribution maps of the magnitude and orientation of
texture in dental enamel. We have found that the enamel crystallites are most highly aligned at the
expected occlusal points for a maxillary first premolar, and that the texture direction varies spatially
in a three dimensional curling arrangement. Our results provide a model for texture in enamel which
can aid researchers in developing dental composite materials for fillings and crowns with optimal
characteristics for longevity, and will guide clinicians to the best method for drilling into enamel, in
order to minimize weakening of remaining tooth structure, during dental restoration procedures.

Citation

Al-Jawad, M., Simmons, L., Steuwer, A., Kilcoyne, S., Shore, R., Cywinski, R., & Wood, D. Three dimensional mapping of texture in dental enamel. Key Engineering Materials, 361, 877-880. https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.361-363.877

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Deposit Date: Oct 6, 2010
• Journal: Key Engineering Materials
• Print ISSN: 1013-9826
• Publisher: Trans Tech Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 361
• Pages: 877-880
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.361-363.877
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/KEM.361-363.877
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